# Cornell University

Ithaca, NY. Source page: https://www.dreamschool.co/colleges/cornell-university

Cornell University is a private nonprofit college in Ithaca, NY with 15,995 undergraduates. It admits 8.8% of applicants, and admitted students average 1535 on the SAT. The average net price after aid is $33,934 per year ($6,371 for families earning under $30,000). 95% of students graduate, and graduates earn a median of $113,531 ten years after enrolling.

## Key facts

| Measure | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Admission rate | 8.8% (Fall 2024) |
| Testing policy | Test optional (considered if submitted) (Fall 2024) |
| Applicants | 65,635 (Fall 2023) |
| Admitted | 5,358 (Fall 2023) |
| SAT Reading & Writing (middle 50%) | 730–770 (Fall 2024) |
| SAT Math (middle 50%) | 770–800 (Fall 2024) |
| ACT Composite (middle 50%) | 33–35 (Fall 2024) |
| Cost of attendance | $92,093 (2024-25) |
| Average net price | $33,934 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $0–30k | $6,371 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $30–48k | $6,152 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $48–75k | $6,797 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $75–110k | $13,422 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $110k+ | $55,935 (2024-25) |
| Undergraduates | 15,995 (Fall 2024) |
| Graduation rate | 95% (Fall 2019) |
| Median earnings 10 years after enrolling | $113,531 (2023) |
| Median debt at graduation | $12,000 (FY2024) |

## What Cornell University considers in admissions (Fall 2023)

- High school record: Required
- High school GPA: Considered
- College-prep coursework: Considered
- Class rank: Considered
- Essay or personal statement: Required
- Recommendations: Required
- Demonstrated competencies: Considered
- Legacy status: Considered
- Work experience: Considered
- English proficiency test: Required

## FAQ

**What is Cornell University's acceptance rate?**

Cornell University admits 8.8% of applicants, which makes it extremely selective.

**What SAT score do you need for Cornell University?**

The middle 50% of admitted students scored 730–770 on SAT Reading and Writing and 770–800 on SAT Math; the average total is 1535.

**What ACT score do you need for Cornell University?**

The middle 50% ACT composite range for admitted students is 33–35.

**Is Cornell University test optional?**

Test optional (considered if submitted).

**How many students apply to Cornell University?**

In Fall 2023, 65,635 students applied to Cornell University and 5,358 were admitted; 3,537 enrolled.

**Does Cornell University consider legacy status?**

Yes. Cornell University reported that legacy status is considered in admissions (Fall 2023).

**Does Cornell University require an essay?**

Cornell University reported that an essay or personal statement is required for admission (Fall 2023).

**How much does Cornell University cost?**

The sticker cost of attendance is $92,093 per year, but the average net price after grants and scholarships is $33,934.

**What is Cornell University's graduation rate?**

95% of full-time students graduate within 150% of normal time.


## Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (Most Recent Institution-Level Data), released 2026-10-15: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/data/
- IPEDS Admissions survey (ADM2023): https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/datacenter/DataFiles.aspx
- IPEDS unit ID 190415. Methodology: https://www.dreamschool.co/methodology